Anti-bullying musical gives voice to those with autism

BEVERLY HILLS, Cal (KABC) -- Nearly every person with autism has been somehow bullied or marginalized and they don't have the voice to speak out, but a new musical gives them that voice and it's opening onstage in Beverly Hills this weekend.

The onstage participants are not professional performers, but they don't have to be as they are singing from their heart.

The actors are telling the story of a student with autism who's bullied at a new school -- and it's based on the experiences of the performers themselves.

They've been rehearsing since January and said personal growth is as important as onstage performance.

"I'm trying to get people to know me...I'm a very talented young kid with autism," said Domonique Brown, a cast member.

The musical is called "The Intimidation Game," and it is a collaboration between the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and The Miracle Project, bringing together young people with autism and other disabilities with their non-disabled contemporaries.

"We are about using theater and film to change stereotypes about disability," said Elaine Hall of The Miracle Project.

Troupe members playing the bullies said it opened their eyes to new understanding, and they hope it will do the same for their audience.

If the project's goal is to help these performers find their voice and their artistic talent, they can consider this a success even before the first curtain call.

The partnership between the Wallis Annenberg Center and The Miracle Project will continue with future productions.

You can get tickets for the show at the box office of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts or online at thewallis.org.